exercising a Husky

Question
QUESTION: So....now that I've rescued Rio (approx. 2 yr. old neutered male mix - Husky/Shepherd)I need someone to rescue me!

He's a very loving dog and mostly has no bad habits.  But when I first got him I let him run off-leash in the orchards which surround our property (we have 2 acres unfenced). He, of course, just reveled in this and it was neat to see him in his element (running like the wind). Have to keep him fenced in our pool area or tied up in the yard, or of course he'll just head for the orchards. (I've had 2 previous dogs that never ran off like this, so I didn't know this was going to be a problem.)

Now that he's spoiled for his run, I'm reading about how this is really a bad idea and it's just an accident waiting to happen.  I've not had him off-leash for a run in 3-4 days now.  He's grumpy and mad at me.  

I'm trying to come up with ways to exercise him.

I take him for on-leash walks.
I have a large unused horse corral (about 100' x 40') and can release him in there, but after running about being silly with him for about 5 min. I run out of ideas.  I could maybe set up some sort of obstacle course for him. Something I could do easily.

Should I get a bicycle and try to run him that way?

After reading about their nature I'm a little worried that I won't be able to provide the exercise he needs. I'm in pretty good shape, but going on 60 and my idea of exercise is gardening.  

Need some ideas for exercising my dog without running the Iditarod with him!
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Rahma



ANSWER: Hi Rahma,

It sounds like you have your work cut out for you. An obstacle course won't be a bad idea.  Of course you will need to train him on it.  And that is if he will do it.  Huskies, once they are off their leash just love to run and sometimes not listen to their owners.  You may try it and see if it will work.

People even bicycle with their huskies.  First, you need to make sure you have good control over him on a leash, before I recommend taking off on a bike.  People that I talk to that bicycle with their huskies tell me their huskies love it.  It gives these dogs good exercise.  Even the chance to pull well running.  Even individual who use their huskies for dog sledding do this exercise in the summer to train for the winter races.

You don't always have to run your huskies everyday.  Just make sure he gets plenty of exercise with walking or even playing fetch outside in a fenced in yard.  Anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes a day.  

Another idea is taking the husky swimming in a lake or somewhere pets are allowed.  Both my huskies love to swim, but I always keep the close to me on a leash while I am in the water.  This is just an idea when it gets warm out.  

These are some good ideas that you came up with.  I would suggest using them and if they don't work please let me know.  And don't feel your dog is mad at you.  They just get bored easily and always want your attention.  If he gets mad at you, then you'll know.  

I wish you the best of luck. Congrats on your new adopted husky.  If you have anymore questions, please ask.

Thanks,
Laura

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.  It helps to have someone to run these things by.  

The bike idea intrigues me, but when I research it, it looks like it might be complicated.  Don't want to spend money on special harnesses, equipment if he's going to turn up his nose at it.  He has definite ideas about things! like refusing to play fetch.  :o)  

Do I need to get a special harness if I just want him to run along beside me?  I don't really want to do the bikjoring thing and have him pull me.  I just got to where he's pretty good on a loose leash.

Thanks for the help.
Rahma
p.s. I tried having him jump up over a pvc pipe about 6" off the ground out in the corral.  If I call him to me from the other side he jumps it like it wasn't even there.
Success! at least for today.  He's been known to do great at something one day, then totally refuse the next.  He's keeping me on my toes!


Answer
Hi Rahma,

Yes, you should buy a harness.  This will reduce the stress on his neck when he is running beside you on the bike. You can purchase a simple harness at a local pet store.  Bring him along to make sure you are getting the right size. If you need help picking out a harness for him, then ask an employee at the pet store.  Harness also give you control over the dog even when you are walking him.  I think mine was like 18.00 dollars.  Also makes sure you have a good leash that isn't too short were he can't run beside you and not to long were you don't have totally control of him during your exercise.  

Huskies are jumpers.  That is why it is suggested to put in a 6 ft or higher fence. I remember when I got my first husky.  I couldn't believe how high he was jumping.  I would have mud all the way to the top of my slider windows.  

It seems to me you are doing just fine coming up with excellent exercise ideas for your husky.  

If you have anymore question, feel free ask.

Thanks,
Laura